(Rochdale, NY–June 7, 2018) NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Vincent Sapienza and NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Acting Commissioner Ana Barrio announced today that a $62 million infrastructure project that will install new storm sewers, repair local street conditions that result in flooding and upgrade the area’s water mains has begun in Rochdale, Queens. The project, scheduled to be completed in summer 2020, is being managed by DDC and funded by DEP.

More than 1,550 feet of new storm sewers will be installed through the project area and an additional 6,600 feet of storm sewers will be replaced with new, larger pipes, some as large as 66 inches in diameter. Up to 11,000 feet of old sanitary sewers will be replaced, in many locations with larger sanitary sewers ranging up to 36 inches in diameter. To further improve street drainage, 44 new catch basins will be installed and 87 existing ones will be replaced.

The project will also replace 18,000 feet of old cast iron water mains, some dating back to the 1920s, that were installed by the Jamaica Water Supply Company. Additionally, 16 new fire hydrants will be added to the area and 32 older ones will be replaced with new ones.

The project is part of the City’s $1.9 billion investment to improve flooding and street conditions in southeast Queens. The program, which consists of 45 total infrastructure projects to be completed over the next 10 years, is the largest of its kind in the City.

“Mayor de Blasio has made a historic investment in the infrastructure of southeast Queens and these shovels in the ground are a sign that flooding relief is on the way for residents and businesses,” said DEP Commissioner Vincent Sapienza. “I thank our partners at DDC for managing this important work and look forward to building out a full drainage system for the area.”

“Like many parts of southeast Queens, this neighborhood has experienced significant flooding and ponding issues that can linger for days after a heavy rainfall,” said DDC Acting Commissioner Ana Barrio. “We’re very happy to work with our partners at DEP to implement the largest systematic street restoration program in the five boroughs, in southeast Queens.”

Water main replacement work on 132nd Avenue behind August Martin HS (May 2018)

“The sewers and water mains in Rochdale will be significantly upgraded thanks to this $62 million investment, which will also help to alleviate flooding and improve roadway drainage,” said Council Member Adrienne Adams. “This project is an example of the quality of life improvements that our community needs. I would like to thank DEP Commissioner Vincent Sapienza and DDC Acting Commissioner Ana Barrio for your leadership on this important infrastructure project and look forward to the relief it will bring residents.”

Examples of ponding in the project area following rain (May 2018)

“Finally we are attacking the problem and I commend the City for doing it,” said State Senator James Sanders Jr. “I've been urging the City for the longest and now we are seeing it happen.”

To manage the needs of residents during construction, DDC has a full-time Community Construction Liaison (CCL) assigned to the project. CCL Phillip Stafford keeps the neighborhood apprised of construction progress, coordinates street closures and utility shutoffs and can arrange special requests such as deliveries to local homes and businesses. Mr. Stafford works on-site and is directly accessible to the public at 646-374-7364 or by email at se848ccl@gmail.com.

The contractor for the project is Northeast Remsco Construction. Construction management services are by Tectonic Engineering.

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About the NYC Department of Design and Construction

The Department of Design and Construction is the City’s primary capital construction project manager. In supporting Mayor de Blasio’s long-term vision of growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy living, DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings such as such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, and new or upgraded roads, sewers and water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $13 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience bring efficient, innovative and environmentally-conscious design and construction strategies to City projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/ddc.

About the NYC Department of Environmental Protection

DEP manages New York City’s water supply, providing approximately 1 billion gallons of high quality drinking water each day to more than 9 million residents, including 8.5 million in New York City. The water is delivered from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles from the city, comprising 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes. Approximately 7,000 miles of water mains, tunnels and aqueducts bring water to homes and businesses throughout the five boroughs, and 7,500 miles of sewer lines and 96 pump stations take wastewater to 14 in-city treatment plants. DEP has nearly 6,000 employees, including almost 1,000 in the upstate watershed. In addition, DEP has a robust capital program, with a planned $18.9 billion in investments over the next 10 years that will create up to 3,000 construction-related jobs per year. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.